Wicona is Europe's first aluminium systems company to use insulbar RE from Ensinger. The thermal insulation bars are used for the thermal separation of profiles for windows, facades and door constructions, and are made of 100% recycled material. This marks a decisive improvement to the life cycle assessment of the overall systems - without compromising quality and without any added cost for Wicona customers.

The unmixed recycled polyamide used undergoes an upcycling process which places its properties on a par with those of new material. Polymer blends or mixed recyclates are not used. Use of the product, which was developed by plastics specialist Ensinger, means an 89% reduction in the consumption of fossil resources, an 84% reduction of carbon emissions and 32% less water consumption. Insulbar RE is now set to be put to widespread use at Wicona for the first time.

For Wicona to agree to the use of this recycled plastic, the material had to match the efficiency of the polyamide 6.6 customarily used for insulating bars without in any way compromising processability. The insulating profiles made of recycled polyamide are suitability tested in accordance with DIN EN 14024 and possess the same mechanical and physical characteristics as conventional insulation bars made of polyamide 6.6.